ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his third mock draft of 2021, and like the first two — thanks to him and Todd McShay finally allowing themselves to make mock trades — there are some surprises.
Let’s start with the trade up by the Carolina Panthers. He has them dealing up to get the No. 3 pick from the Miami Dolphins and taking QB Justin Fields from Ohio State. Intriguing!
Then there’s where tight end Kyle Pitts is going. The Florida TE just ran a 4.46 40-yard dash (see below), so the buzz that was already there is off the charts. And Kiper has him going to … the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 5!
The problem is the Bengals need some dudes to protect Joe Burrow, but here’s what Kiper says:
I think Pitts is just too good, and he would instantly upgrade this offense. He is one of the most talented tight ends I’ve ever graded, and there are people in the NFL who think he could be the second-best prospect in this class. With a deep offensive line class, Cincinnati could likely find a starting tackle or guard at the top of Round 2.
Finally, the New England Patriots would get their QB of the future. But in this mock, they don’t have to trade up — Alabama’s Mac Jones falls right into their laps at No. 15. Bill Belichick would LOVE that.
